Carer Payment
Carer Payment is an income support payment for people whose caring responsibilities prevent them from undertaking substantial workforce participation. Carer Payment is subject to income and assets tests and is paid at the same rate as other social security pensions.
To be eligible for Carer Payment a claimant must be providing care in the home of the person(s) being cared for and also provide one of the following levels of care:
- care to an adult who has a disability or medical condition that is long term and severe and has a minimum level of care needs as assessed by the Adult Disability Assessment Tool
- care for a person whose care requirements are less severe but who has a dependent child that needs care, so their combined care needs are equivalent to the care needs of a person with a severe disability or medical condition
- care permanently or for at least six months to a child under 16 with a profound disability
- care of a child who is aged 6 or older but still under 16 years of age and who suffers from severe intellectual, psychiatric or behavioural disabilities
- care permanently or for an extended period to two or more children under 16 with a disability who, together, need a level of care that is at least equivalent to the level of care needed by a child with a profound disability.
To find out more about Carer Payment and your eligibility for this payment:
- visit your nearest Centrelink office
- telephone 132 717, or
- visit the payments page on Centrelink's website.